Assassin Snail (Anentome helena)

Category: Freshwater Snails
Scientific Name: Anentome helena
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia including Thailand and surrounding regions
Lighting: Low to Moderate lighting recommended for natural behavior and best viewing
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel substrate preferred for burrowing and hunting behavior
Size: Juvenile to Adult

Parameters (Freshwater Snail Standard):
GH: 6–12
KH: 2–8
pH: 6.8–8.0

What to Expect with Appearance

Assassin Snails are easily recognized by their striped conical shell, typically patterned in alternating bands of yellow tan and dark brown. The shell is compact and sturdy compared to burrowing trumpet snails, giving them a bold and distinct appearance in the aquarium.

Their muscular body and pointed siphon are often visible as they move across surfaces or partially bury themselves in the substrate while hunting. Color intensity and striping contrast may vary slightly between individuals but the overall pattern remains consistent.

General Care Behavior and Tank Conditions

Assassin Snails are best known for their predatory feeding behavior, primarily targeting pest snails such as bladder snails ramshorns and Malaysian trumpet snails. They are effective population control agents rather than algae cleaners.

They spend much of their time buried in the substrate waiting for prey and emerge regularly to hunt. In the absence of pest snails they will accept meaty sinking foods frozen foods or shrimp pellets. They are generally shrimp safe though very small shrimplets may occasionally be at risk.

Assassin Snails reproduce slowly compared to other snails and do not explode in population under normal conditions making them easy to manage long term.

Bonus Tip

If using Assassin Snails for snail control avoid overstocking. One or two individuals are often sufficient for small to medium aquariums.

Check out our Assassin Snail Care Guide!

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